Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen has signed an agreement with his team that will keep him there until the end of the 2023 Formula 1 season, at the very least.
This means that he’s going to get four more chances at a title with his Honda-powered Red Bull, a car that has looked tremendously competitive towards the end of last season. Verstappen finished 2019 in third place, ahead of both Ferrari drivers.
Also, this announcement pretty much shuts down all rumors linking Verstappen to either Ferrari or Mercedes, at least until his new contract runs out.
Related: Max Verstappen Thinks He Can Win Formula 1 Title This Year
“I am really happy to have extended my partnership with the Team. Red Bull believed in me and gave me the opportunity to start in Formula 1 which I have always been very grateful for. Over the years I have grown closer and closer with the Team and besides the passion from everyone and the on-track performance it is also really enjoyable to work with such a great group of people,” said the Dutchman.
“Honda coming onboard and the progress we have made over the last 12 months gives me even more motivation and the belief that we can win together. I respect the way Red Bull and Honda work together and from all sides everyone is doing what they can to succeed. I want to win with Red Bull and our goal is of course to fight for a World Championship together.”
Verstappen joined Red Bull from Toro Rosso in 2016, becoming the youngest-ever race winner in F1 history. He then secured two more wins in 2017, and another two in 2018. Of course, 2019 was his best season thanks to his three victories, including a back-to-back win at the Austrian Grand Prix.
“It is fantastic news for the Team to have extended our agreement with Max up-to and including the 2023 season. With the challenge of the 2021 regulation changes on the horizon continuity in as many areas as possible is key. Max has proven what an asset he is to the Team, he truly believes in the partnership we have forged with our engine supplier Honda, and we are delighted to have extended our relationship with him,” stated team principal Christian Horner.
While Verstappen may be off the board for another three years, the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Valtteri Bottas will all be free agents at the end of this year.